Excell, Nissco Add Director of Business Development

Excell and Nissco buying groups have hired industry veteran Mariko Sakurai as director of business development.

In this role, Sakurai will work with newly promoted Director of Business Development Devyn Kelly to strengthen relationships, negotiate contracts and assist with strategy execution.

Sakurai brings over three decades of experience within the foodservice equipment and supplies industry, working with dealers, manufacturers, national accounts and broadliners. She most recently served as sales and account manager at Dallas-based manufacturers’ representative EPI Kitchen.

Her experience on the manufacturer side includes holding national and regional sales and account management roles with companies like Homer Laughlin, Oneida Foodservice, Victorinox Swiss Army and Mercer, while she also brings experience on the dealer side, spending over a decade at TriMark Economy Restaurant Fixtures in purchasing, marketing and operations.

“As an accomplished industry professional with extensive experience in all areas, Mariko can think from the buyer’s perspective to facilitate trust and understanding,” says Mike Jewett, CEO of the Denver-based buying groups, in a press release. “Our desire is to have a team that works with our partners past the introduction period to close the gap and create meaningful, ongoing relationships.”